Sky Ranch Preparatory Academy Celebrates Inaugural Year with Ribbon Cutting

The floors have been polished, the windows washed, and the ribbon has been cut for the opening of Sky Ranch Preparatory Academy, a new high school in Watkins, Colorado.

Students, families, and staff walked the halls for the first time, exploring all the spaces: a large and open common area where students can congregate, a beautiful gym with a proud eagle emblem, and all the classrooms.

“There was so much excitement in the building!” Principal Jeremiah Whalen said. “Our students have been able to see the construction progress and most, if not all, were seeing the building for the first time. They could not wait to have the chance to explore the building, reconnect with old friends, and mentally start to plan out their first day.”

Whalen led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, along with school leaders from National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) and members of the school board. Children delighted in playing with the streamers that filled the air as the ribbon was cut.

“What stands out to me is the gratitude,” Whalen said. “It caused me to reflect on the many people and groups that had to work together to make this process a success. I couldn't contain my gratitude for everyone who, whether in the spotlight or not, helped to make our high school possible.”

Sky Ranch Preparatory Academy will offer grades 7-10 for the 2026-27 school year, with plans to add one grade per year through grade 12. It will serve as the high school for nearby Sky Ranch Academy, which opened in 2023.

The future holds plenty for the schools, and Principal Whalen saw that clearly as both schools hosted meet and greet events at the same time.

“I saw dozens of K-6 families wandering around the high school,” Whalen said. “It was great to see that they were looking ahead and starting to think about the future in the 7-12 building!”

Congratulations on a great event and good luck in the new school year, Sky Ranch!